A Democratic congressman in the United States is facing severe criticism after he admitted to refusing to stand during a moment of tribute to grieving families in a presidential address.
Silent Protest Sparks Outrage
Michigan Representative Shri Thanedar confirmed he remained seated as then-President Donald Trump honoured the families of children allegedly raped and murdered by individuals who entered the country illegally. The incident occurred during Trump's joint address to Congress in March 2025.
Among those recognised was the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly killed by two Venezuelan migrants in Texas in June 2024. Thanedar was not alone; several other Democratic lawmakers also stayed seated during the tribute.
Confrontation on National Television
The controversy gained widespread attention when Thanedar was questioned by Fox News host Sean Hannity on Friday. Hannity directly asked the congressman: 'Did you stand? Did you give honour to that family who lost so much?'
Thanedar defended his actions, stating his refusal to stand was a silent protest against Donald Trump himself. 'I did not stand because the president, I was just sick of the president,' he said. He further accused Trump of 'using a tragedy' for political gain.
Hannity responded sharply, criticising Thanedar for 'playing politics' instead of showing respect for the bereaved families.
Victim's Mother Condemns Disrespect
In the days following the address, Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn's mother, publicly condemned the Democrats who remained seated. She told Hannity she found their actions 'very cowardly' and 'very disgraceful.'
'It's just very disgraceful to us as US citizens that those are the people we have here in Congress,' she stated.
Broader Context: Push to Abolish ICE
This incident occurs against a backdrop of intense debate over immigration enforcement in the US. Thanedar has positioned himself as one of the most aggressive critics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
He plans to introduce the 'Abolish ICE Act,' which would dissolve the agency created in 2003. Thanedar argues that ICE is 'totally out of control' and a 'paramilitary organization' terrorising citizens. His push follows heightened tensions after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good during a confrontation with immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Other prominent Democrats, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, have echoed strong criticisms, labelling ICE an 'occupying force.' Public opinion appears narrowly divided, with a recent Economist/YouGov poll showing 46% support for abolishing ICE versus 43% opposed.
Past Controversies Resurface
Amid the furore, past allegations against Thanedar have resurfaced. Critics have revived claims related to a shuttered pharmaceutical testing lab connected to his former company, where over 100 beagles were found abandoned in 2010.
Thanedar has consistently and forcefully denied any wrongdoing, stating all animals were rehomed and that 'no animal was hurt or died under my watch.' He maintains the facility was under bank control at the time.
The congressman's defiant protest during the presidential address continues to fuel a fierce national debate on political decorum, immigration policy, and the boundaries of partisan opposition.
